//------------------------------// // Wake Into The Nightmare // Story: When Two Are One // by Rigoo //------------------------------// Control was a wonderful feeling. There was nothing quite like the thrill of urgency, the weight of responsibility, the freedom to act as one saw fit. It had been some time since Luna had the pleasure of control, and she intended to make the most of it. She rose from her bed, throwing the sheets aside and making her way to the mirror. Her horn summoned a brush which she ran over her royal blue coat, smoothing the ruffled and matted clumps left over from sleep, making sure it looked immaculate. Her beautiful flowing mane silently flapped in an ethereal breeze, a shimmering symbol of her divinity. She dawned her dark regalia, adjusting it to sit with perfect symmetry on her body. The black tiara she wore subtly sunk into her mane, but its prominence shone through nonetheless. Lastly, she stepped into her silver shoes, the je ne sais quoi that completed her look. Yes, the mare in the mirror was definitely a princess, no doubt about it. It was a look she could be proud of, a look that would inspire herself and those around her in equal measure. Greatness awaited her. With her looks in order, she turned to leave her chambers. No sense in dallying, after all. When she opened the door, she found Twilight Sparkle and Celestia were already there to greet her, looks of uncertainty plain on their faces. “Greetings sister, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna said with a smile. “How are you this fine morning?” “Luna?” Celestia asked, her face the picture of concern. “Are you alright?” “I must say I feel wonderful right now, sister.” Luna's pride swelled as she spoke. “I can't remember the last time I was so eager to take on the day.” “Who are you?” demanded Twilight. Luna almost laughed. “Why, I am Princess Luna, of course! Surely you didn't forget me so quickly?” “Which Luna? Nightmare Moon Luna?” Luna rolled her eyes. “Does it matter? I'm the still pony you both know and love.” “Prove it.” Luna giggled as she grinned down at the unicorn. “My my, Twilight Sparkle, it certainly seems you awoke on the wrong side of the bed.” She turned to Celestia. “Sister, surely you can vouch for my authenticity?” “Well,” Celestia started, as she looked her sister up and down. “Other than the obvious change in demeanor, nothing seems out of the ordinary...” “See? Besides, you have nothing to worry about, Twilight.” Luna's eyes flashed with a knowing look. “If I do in fact turn out to be the pony you think I am, you and your friends already have the power to stop me. Now,” she said as she stepped past her visitors. “If you'll excuse me, I have business I'd like to attend to.” “Not without me you don't!” Twilight didn't hesitate to trot after her. Luna chuckled at the mare's enthusiasm. “If you insist.” Celestia stood still in the hallway, her sister and student far too caught up in their thoughts to remember her. Luna spared her a errant glance before she turned the corner. Sorry, sister. This is the only way. Even though she had technically returned to her role as princess nearly a year ago, Luna had spent precious little time actually playing the part. That changed today. Her sister had a keeper, a 'secretary' she believed it was called. A pony named Raven, who seemed to follow Celestia everywhere with a clipboard in hoof. She would know exactly what Luna needed. Raven had her own office, which Luna managed to remember the location of. Twilight continued to tail her as she walked there, the mare's suspicious eyes locked on her the entire trip. Luna smiled back occasionally, making the unicorn's scowl deepen. She couldn't help herself, taunting Twilight was too amusing. Luna knocked on Raven's door, prompting a muffled “Come in!” from inside. She entered to find the mare sitting at a desk filled with paperwork, her quill scribbling away dutifully. It took her a moment to notice her guest. “Princess Luna!” Raven exclaimed, quickly getting up from her seat to bow. “How may I help you?” It wasn't often ponies bothered to bow in her presence. The sight made Luna's smile grow wider. “Greetings, Raven Inkwell. There are questions I wish to ask you. I hope you are not too busy?” Raven looked at the pile of papers on her desk. As she did, Luna's smile grew strained. “I think I can spare some time, Princess,” Raven said nervously. “What do you wish to know?” “It is no secret I have been neglecting the duties of my position since my return,” Luna said with clear frustration. “I wish to rectify that. With you being the keeper of my sister, I thought it sensible to ask you what is expected of a princess in these times.” Raven's expression made it clear she hadn't been expecting a request like that. Her eyes shifted around the room as she scrambled for an answer. “Well, most of Princess Celestia's schedule consists of meetings and public appearances,” she started. “She hosts an open day court for Equestrian citizens, has private meetings with nobles and city officials, and attends significant social gatherings throughout the country.” “I see,” Luna replied, watching Raven intently as she spoke. “What is it she discusses in these meetings?” “Well, it largely depends on the pony who arranged it,” Raven answered, scratching the back of her head with a hoof. “Celestia has the ultimate say on the laws and governing of Equestria, as well as the Royal Treasury. Anypony who wants a significant change in the status quo would have a hard time making it without her blessing. She also oversees the development of existing projects, as well as keeping an eye on Equestria's well being.” “You say she makes the ultimate decision on other ponies ideas? Does she not plan for herself?” “Sometimes she does. But Celestia is mostly content to let other ponies think for themselves. She isn't very inclined to step in on their behalf if they're already capable.” Luna's face hardened. “I see. And what of these 'social gatherings' you mentioned?” Raven took another deep breath. “Celestia believes it is important to feel connected to the ponies she's responsible for. She attends festivals, parties, and openings whenever her schedule permits. It helps improve Equestrian morale when their leader is seen amongst her subjects.” Luna took a moment to think, her hoof idly scratching under her chin. Raven's eyes continued to flit about as she did. “So,” Luna thought out loud. “A modern princess is like a shepherd, overseeing the herd of ponies that make up Equestria. We keep our distance, only guiding them when they ask for or need our help.” Raven took a moment to consider Luna's words. “That... is an adequate summary, Your Highness.” Luna's eyes narrowed slightly. “The world must have changed greatly if my sister thinks ponies so capable as to make their own decisions.” She shook her head before smiling again at the secretary. “Thank you for your help, Raven. I look forward to working more with you in the future.” “The pleasure was all mine, Your Highness.” Raven nervously bowed again. “I am happy to help.” As Luna turned to leave, she nearly bumped in to Twilight. Where before her face had held nothing but contempt for Luna, she now wore a look of subtle confusion. At the sight of Luna's smug smile, however, her scowl quickly returned. With a quiet chuckle, Luna brushed past her to leave the office. Twilight quickly followed. Luna toured the castle, visiting anyone of significance she could remember and asking what they did there. It didn't take long, she wasn't exactly familiar with the castle staff. After exhausting the list of ponies she knew of, she interviewed the ponies she didn't recognize. Everyone from the treasurer to the gardeners took a turn under her microscope. Most of them seemed uncomfortable under her scrutiny, but none of them dared deny her authority. It all went much smoother than she had expected. Twilight followed her every step of the way. That pony may not have Celestia's emotional control, but she certainly shared her tenacity. Luna hadn't missed her change in demeanor, however. With every pony she had talked to, Twilight became less and less incensed. Rather than glare at her mercilessly, her eyes now looked with curiosity and intrigue. When she had finished her tour of the castle staff, it was time for the main event. Her sister. Celestia was in the throne room, discussing something unimportant with some ponies who didn't matter. She didn't miss Luna and Twilight's entrance. “Hello, sister,” Luna greeted, entering the room with her head held high and wearing her now signature smile. “I was hoping we might discuss something. Might we talk privately?” Celestia hesitated, looking to the ponies she had just been talking to. “Could it wait a bit, Luna. We're a bit busy here...” Luna's smile quickly lost its luster. “It is rather important, actually.” She scowled at the ponies trying to waste her time. Celestia sheepishly looked at her group. “I'm very sorry about this. I'll reschedule this meeting as soon as possible.” The ponies nervously looked between her and Luna, but eventually they left the throne room. “What was it you wanted to discuss, Luna?” Celestia asked. “I spent the morning talking to the castle staff, sister,” Luna answered, her smile brightening once again. “Doing my best to learn what is expected of a modern princess. I have a plan for how I might finally take up my duties once again.” Celestia's eyebrows raised. “I see. That does sound important. What did you have in mind?” “I wish to be your equal, as we were always meant to be. I wish to be informed of the state of our great nation, and given due responsibility for its well being. I would host court, attend meetings, and make decisions alongside you.” Somehow, Celestia's eyebrows raised higher. “You weren't kidding when you said you had a new mindset today.” Luna's smile grew wider. “That is not all. I wish to be loved and adored, just as you are. I would like my own holiday, and not one that exists to ridicule a pony I no longer am.” Luna grimaced as she remembered her introduction to her original 'holiday'. “I suppose I'll let ponies keep Nightmare Night, as they seem to enjoy it, but I want a day to celebrate my own great accomplishments. Something similar to your Summer Sun Celebration. A 'Winter Moon Festival,' if you will.” “That sounds very reasonable,” Celestia replied, her expression neutral. Slowly, a smile crept across her face. “In fact it sounds fantastic! I think that's a great idea, Luna!” “I'm glad you think so as well, sister. It's time I finally start acting like the princess I am.” “Who are you?” Twilight asked. Luna turned to the unicorn, who looked at her as if they had never met before. “I am Luna,” she answered. “The Luna you have never been allowed to meet. The Luna who has been locked away unjustly. The Luna who has actually learned from her mistakes, and wishes to be a better pony. That is who I am, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna approached Twilight, her expression soft. “Surely you can see that I'm no threat? That I am a pony worthy of your respect and admiration? Can we not work together?” Luna offered her hoof to Twilight. The mare stared at it, neither accepting the offer nor rejecting it. “We'll see,” she finally answered. “Very well.” Luna calmly retracted her hoof, looking disappointed. “I still have plenty of opportunities left to convince you.” She turned back to Celestia, quickly donning her smile again. “There are more ponies I would like to talk to to prepare for my holiday. Might we discuss my future duties tomorrow, sister?” “Of course, Luna. That sounds wonderful.” With that, Luna pushed open the great doors and made her exit. Celestia watched her sister disappear behind the doors of the throne room. As soon as they closed, Twilight turned to her, uncertainty written all over her face. “Do you believe her, Princess?” Twilight asked as she approached Celestia's throne. “If that was Nightmare Moon, she's certainly a much different pony now than when I knew her.“ Celestia said with a chuckle. She looked over to the wall that held the stained glass window of her old nemesis. “The Nightmare Moon I knew wasn't remotely interested in ruling beside me.” “You think it wasn't her? That this is just Luna?” Celestia paused before answering, her expression sobering. “I'd be lying if I said I wasn't unsettled by my sister's sudden change in demeanor, but I'm impressed by the resolve she showed. I thought it would take years before she would be able to rule beside me again, but today she seemed ready and eager to take up the mantle.” Twilight sighed. “I'm just worried. I'm not sure what Luna did when I was in her dream, but this doesn't feel right. She told Nightmare Moon that we would be able to stop her if she went too far, like she was expecting some kind of disaster. I feel like there's more going on than we understand.” “You are probably right to be worried, my student,” Celestia said, putting a hoof on Twilight's withers. “But for now, it all seems to be out of our hooves. I'll be keeping a close eye on my sister and I'd appreciate it if you did the same. If something goes wrong, we'll be right here to help her.” “Um,” Twilight looked at her with uncertainty. “Are you sure that's the right thing to do?” Celestia's eyes widened. It wasn't often that Twilight questioned her. “Sorry! I didn't mean—! I wasn't trying to—!” Celestia laughed. “Please, relax Twilight. Tell me what you're thinking about.” “Well,” Twilight looked down at her hooves, rubbing one against the other. “You've just seemed strange to me lately, Princess. Like, when you sent me into Luna's dream, I was so shocked that you sent me alone. I thought for sure you would want to be there for her. You were really upset that Luna was in danger, but you seemed reluctant to be near her. Are things okay between you two?” Celestia didn't have an answer to that question. That she couldn't go into Luna's dream hadn't been something she had consciously thought about, it was just something she knew. Like bears knew to hibernate in winter, or birds knew to flap their wings when they fell from the nest, Celestia knew that she shouldn't go into her sister's mind. She shouldn't be too close to Luna. Celestia stopped. That didn't sound right. They were sisters, why shouldn't they be close? Sisters were supposed to be near one another. They were supposed to help one another and be there in each other's times of need. In fact, the whole thing vaguely reminded her of a letter she had gotten from Rarity and Sweetie Belle. "Having a sister is just about the bestest thing in the world. But it sure isn't the easiest." "Being sisters is a wonderful thing, but it takes teamwork. Sometimes it's about compromising. Sometimes it's about accepting each other's differences. But mostly, it's about having fun together. Even if it means getting your hooves a little bit dirty." Celestia had forgotten what it meant to be a sister. It wasn't about naturally getting along and staying out of each other's way. It was about making hard choices and being there for one another. Luna had needed her, but Celestia had left her all alone. Celestia looked at her student, feeling more confused than she had in some time. Twilight's purple eyes looked back innocently, waiting for the profound words of a princess to set her woes at ease. But Celestia had no wisdom to share. She had only mistakes. “I'm not sure, Twilight. I think maybe you're right. Perhaps I haven't been treating my sister the way I should.” Twilight was taken aback. “Princess?” She had been relying on Twilight too much. Celestia had needed Twilight to wield the Elements of Harmony for her, but she had kept calling on her again and again. She sent Luna to Ponyville on Nightmare Night because she knew Twilight would help her make friends. She encouraged Luna to meet with Twilight again in the hopes she could pull Luna out of her slump. Even when Luna revealed the Nightmare was still inside her, Celestia's first instinct had been to call for Twilight. Twilight had been more helpful than she could have hoped, but she couldn't expect her to solve every single problem Luna had. If Luna was going to be a princess again, she needed the help of every pony in Equestria—especially that of her fellow princess and sister. Celestia smiled at Twilight. “You've been a great boon to us, my student. I really am so glad I found you all those years ago. I don't know what Luna or I would have done without you.” Twilight's eyes went wide before she looked away, blushing fiercely. “T-thank you, Princess. I-uh, I'm glad to be of help to both you. It's the least I could do.” “But now, I think it's time I started pulling my own weight. I haven't been the kind of sister Luna needs, and I certainly haven't been the kind she deserves. I need to change that. Not just for Luna, but for myself and all of Equestria.” She sighed, an invisible burden suddenly lifting itself off her shoulders. Her constant worrying about her sister's future had been weighing on her for far too long now, and she had foolishly left herself out of the equation. But that was okay, she still had time to fix this. Luna was her sister, and if there was anypony she could reconcile with, it was her. “It has been a long time since we've talked like this, hasn't it?” Celestia asked. “Just the two of us, together? I feel like we're long overdue for a chat over tea. Would you be interested? Whenever things settle down, of course.” “Absolutely!” Twilight beamed. “I'd love nothing more!” Celestia smiled warmly. “I look forward to it. Hopefully we'll be able to have it sooner rather than later.” By the sound of things, Luna would be busy for the rest of today. Tomorrow though, they could host court together like Luna had asked. After that would be the perfect time to talk with her. Twilight had given her a lot of things to think about, and only with Luna's help would she be able to resolve them. Luna finally returned to her chambers after a long day of meetings and planning. She was tired, but her work wasn't quite done yet. “You've been awful quiet all day,” she said to herself as she walked out onto her balcony. “Don't tell me my performance has left you speechless?” You did better than I expected, the voice admitted. I didn't think you'd be able to hide your flaws so effectively. Those ponies have no idea who you really are. “I'll take that as a compliment.” Luna's horn glowed as she began to raise the moon. On an adjacent balcony, Celestia lowered the sun below the horizon. “I hope you've realized fixing your life isn't so hard when you actually apply yourself. Just look at all the progress I've made in one day.” You still have quite a ways to go, in that regard. In exchange for creating a holiday about me, you've compromised my friendship with Twilight Sparkle. “Oh, please. You saw her in the throne room. She's already most of the way over her reservations. Besides, didn't you see how happy sister was with my idea?” The voice didn't have anything to say to that. Luna finished raising the moon and shared a bow with her sister. Then she returned to her room and closed the curtains to her window, drowning the room in near complete darkness. She carefully removed her regalia before laying down in bed. Aren't you going to visit the dream realm? “I am far too tired after today. Ponies can dream just fine without us.” Some princess you are. Abandoning your oldest duty to set up a day to satisfy your own ego. “What good is power if you can't enjoy it? Working selflessly was what got us in trouble in the first place.” The purpose of our power is to serve our subjects. “Yes, yes, I'm well aware.” She waved a hoof dismissively. “Everything I'm doing is in their interests as well. Soon they'll have two princesses to adore and twice the holidays with which to celebrate them.” Luna yawned. “Now if you'll excuse me, I've already had a long day of negotiating and even more waits for me tomorrow. It will all go much better if I get a full night of rest.” With that, what little light there was in the room went out.